Senior Manager: Reporting Database

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We are seeking a highly talented individual to lead the management, service delivery and development of SSRO’s key database for defence contract information, including the associated user guidance. The Senior Manager: Reporting Database will provide oversight to the day to day operation of the database, as well as leading initiatives to drive improvements in database design, data management and quality, analytical capability, and user experience through ongoing system development and improvement, and clear user guidance. Engaging with stakeholders will be central to creating an active community of users and accelerate adoption. Also essential will be managing and working with third parties, as a major part of the service is outsourced.

About the Organisation

The Single Source Regulations Office (SSRO) is an executive non-departmental public body that supports the effective operation of the statutory regulation that cover the UK government’s procurement of military goods, works and services on a ‘single source’ basis, that is where the contract is awarded without competition. Some of the Ministry of Defence (MOD)’s most important capabilities, including Astute and Trafalgar class submarines and Type 26 frigates are bought and/or maintained using single source procurement. The MOD is the Sponsoring Department for the SSRO.

In 2011, the Government asked Lord Currie to carry out a review of the system of MOD procurement, which resulted in a new framework being recommended and the publication of a White Paper, ‘Better Defence Acquisition - Improving how we procure and support Defence equipment’). This was followed in May 2014 by the enactment of the Defence Reform Act, which established the SRRO and its role, and in December 2014 the associated Single Source Contract Regulations came into force.

In carrying out our work under the Act, the SSRO’s principal statutory aims are to ensure that good value for money is obtained for the UK taxpayer in expenditure on qualifying, single source defence contracts, and that suppliers are paid a fair and reasonable price under those contracts.

The SSRO has the following functions:

                                                                      To provide the Secretary of State with its assessment of the appropriate baseline profit rate, capital servicing rates and funding adjustment for each year. Following the SSRO’s recommendation, the Secretary of State determines the rates and adjustment for that year.

                                                                      To produce and publish statutory guidance on what costs are ‘Allowable’ under qualifying defence contracts; ‘the Single Source Cost Standards’ and to produce and publish statutory guidance on the determination of penalty amounts to be used by the MOD in issuing penalty notices, and acting as the appeal body for penalties.

                                                                      To keep compliance with contract reporting requirements under review, and to produce pricing and reporting templates and user guides that set out the current reporting requirements for primary contractors.

                                                                      To provide opinions and legally binding determinations in response to referrals from the MOD, contractors and sub-contractors about the application of statutory guidance, the Act and the Regulations.

                                                                      To keep the Single Source Contract Regulations and Part 2 of the Act under review, encouraging compliance with the legislation.

What will I be doing?

We have created a new role - Senior Manager: Reporting Database - to lead the management and service delivery of the SSRO’s "Defence Contracts Analysis and Reporting System" (DefCARS). DefCARS is the central system for the capture, storage and analysis of all data submitted in accordance with the regulatory framework. Defence contractors submit data relating to single source contracts into this secure database, so that the MOD can utilise this data for contract management and analysis purposes. Data collected through defence contract reports contain a range of data about contract requirements, payments, estimated and actual costs and profit, factors affecting delivery and sub-contracts, while supplier reports provide information about the undertaking’s overheads, engagement with small and medium-sized enterprises and industrial capacity. These standardised reports provide the SSRO with a range of information needed to discharge its statutory functions. Data entered into DefCARS will be central to the SSRO’s current and future work programmes. The SSRO Reporting and DefCARS User Guidance assists defence contractors with completing statutory reporting requirements.

The Senior Manager: Reporting Database will be an integral member of the Regulation and Economics Directorate, leading the delivery of the SSRO’s work on DefCARS, including stakeholder liaison and overseeing the day to day management of the service to ensure the system remains fully operational and meets user needs, as well as management of the contract with the third party that hosts and develops the database. You will report to the SSRO’s Chief Analyst. The Database and Reporting Service Manager will report to you, and together you will form the core of a wider team in the SSRO working on issues related to DefCARS.

To meet this challenge of this role, you will have strong experience of managing operational databases and of the service those databases provide. You will understand and bring experience of implementing good practice in database design and data management, including master data, data quality management and data administration, that has enabled analysis of good quality data. You will bring programme and project management skills, and good experience of using these to meet organisational priorities, using these to manage an operational service as well as to manage change. You will have good contract management skills, bringing experience of management of service delivery contracts. Data security is the key priority for the database; you will need to demonstrate a strong awareness of data security, and ensure the data segregation and security of contractors’ data is upheld.

In addition, you will need stakeholder management experience to understand different user requirements and ensure current and potential users are engaged and committed to the system, and that the SSRO communicates well with stakeholders. You will also use stakeholder engagement and your wider awareness and understanding of database, Fin Tech and Reg Tech developments, to develop proposals for the next phases of DefCARS.

You will be able to lead a team of people working in a multi-disciplinary professional environment, and engage with key external stakeholders to co-ordinate activity required. You will be able to communicate complex ideas clearly, succinctly and persuasively. You will have a track record of working successfully in complex, dynamic and sometimes fast-paced environments, delivering projects on time and within budget. Experience of working appropriately with data that is confidential or commercially sensitive in nature would be desirable.

Responsibilities

                                                                      Leadership and programme management of the delivery of the operational service provided through DefCARS, including oversight of: the management of the operational service and development of the database; advice on prioritisation of developments and business cases; management of the contract between the SSRO and the third party that hosts and develops the database; processes associated with DefCARS; reviewing system performance; and developing and delivering training on the system.

                                                                      Implement good practice in database design and data management to help ensure good data quality and analytical capability, including master data management, data quality management and data administration.

                                                                      Communicating and managing relationships with external stakeholders in MOD and industry to keep them informed of system activities, seek feedback (user insight), and engagement on development priorities.

                                                                      Develop, with SSRO colleagues and stakeholders, the strategy and vision for future phases of DefCARS.

                                                                      Working closely with SSRO IT colleagues to ensure the security of the system is maintained, and to consider IT strategy and technology considerations.

                                                                      Ensuring the user guidance for DefCARS continues to reflect the operation of the system as it develops and is clear to users.

                                                                      Provide support to other SSRO work as required and promote the SSRO’s values.

What skills do I need to be effective in this role?

Person specification

Essential

                                                                      Educated to degree level or equivalent.

                                                                      Wide experience of operational service delivery of databases and web-based data collection systems.

                                                                      High level of IT literacy and information management competency.

                                                                      Experience of database design, data management, data security policies and procedures.

                                                                      Proven track record in developing and delivering programmes and projects that meet organisational strategic priorities.

                                                                      Good experience of contract and supplier management in an IT-enabled service delivery and development environment.

                                                                      Evidence of team leadership and line management responsibilities in multi-disciplinary professional environment.

                                                                      Track record of successful stakeholder management, including managing the expectations and conflicting needs and demands.

                                                                      Strong communication skills, with ability to express complex technical issues in easy-to-understand plain English.

Desirable

                                                                      Government Security Classification and experience of handling sensitive data (commercial, government, intelligence or military).

                                                                      A good understanding of the defence sector.

                                                                      Experience of working with regulatory frameworks.

                                                                      Experience of Microsoft SQL Server-based systems.

                                                                      IT service management and project management certification.

Security clearance

In line with the nature of work at the SSRO you will be required to undergo government security clearance. Details of this process can be discussed at interview. This role is not a retained one and is therefore open to foreign nationals.

Applying for the position

To be considered, please submit:

                                                                      A covering letter clearly explaining using suitable examples how you meet the essential and desirable criteria as outlined in the person specification (no more than 2 sides of A4 paper); and

                                                                      Your CV setting out your qualifications and experience.

Applications that do NOT contain a covering letter will be rejected. Applications in excess of the size guidelines will not be considered.

Closing date for applications for 27th April.